Usyk Vacates World Titles, Sets Sights On Retirement Bout
Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles.
The former undisputed champion confirmed he will not be retiring from the sport yet, but he has opted to give away his belts. He also revealed that he will be fighting one last time before hanging up his gloves, with his opponent yet to be confirmed.
Usyk, who is coming off a contentious stoppage win over kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, has decided to drop the three sanctioning body belts in a move which has blown the heavyweight division wide open.
In a video posted on social media, Usyk said; “It’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available so the guys who are next in line can fight for them.
“I’m leaving the belts but I’m not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance.”
“I want to thank everyone. I have great respect for all organisations. I want to thank everyone and say more to come”, he added.
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Usyk had been ordered to fight Agit Kabayel for the WBC strap, but that will now be void after the Ukrainian’s decision.